Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University Heights

36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

1. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4364)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Hillcrest

Booked 98 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1325)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 47 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2630)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • North Park

Booked 20 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

4. Coco Maya

4.7

Exceptional(373)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Little Italy

Booked 1 time today

Coco Maya in Little Italy, San Diego, is a delightful revelation in Contemporary American cuisine, offering a creative twist on classic American fare. The restaurant's use of a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven brings a unique flavor profile to robust, flavorful proteins, setting it apart in a neighborhood rich with culinary offerings. Reviewers rave about the diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the "delicious" short rib pasta and "amazing" skirt steak. The ambiance, enhanced by sweeping views of Little Italy and a vibrant rooftop setting, is consistently praised. It’s not just the food that receives acclaim; the cocktail program, featuring a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, is also a highlight. Visitors describe their dining experience as “unforgettable,” noting the "fun atmosphere" and exceptional service that make Coco Maya a must-visit spot in San Diego.

5. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4718)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

A photo of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar restaurant

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1299)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mission Hills

Booked 12 times today

Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Mission Hills, San Diego, is celebrated for its exceptional Steak cuisine, particularly the Slow Roast Prime Rib available every Friday night. Diners consistently rave about the quality and flavor of their steaks, describing them as "cooked to perfection" and a highlight of their dining experience. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in the glowing reviews, with one patron noting, "The prime rib was amazing!" Additionally, the ambiance, from its cozy patio seating to its friendly service, enhances the culinary journey, making Harley Gray a must-visit for steak lovers seeking a memorable meal in San Diego.

A photo of Covewood - Mission Bay Resort restaurant

7. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

4.3

Awesome(533)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Bay

Booked 10 times today

Covewood at Mission Bay Resort in San Diego is the epitome of exquisite American cuisine, offering a unique California coastal flair that captivates both locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is celebrated for its fresh seafood and wood-grilled vegetables, perfectly paired with local wines and innovative cocktails. Diners rave about the "bold" flavors, such as the anchovy-enhanced Caesar salad and perfectly cooked burgers, stating that every dish is "exceptional" and "worth every penny." The ambiance, described as "barefoot-chic," complements the high-quality service provided by staff members like Jorge and Juan, who are frequently praised for their attentiveness. Covewood is not just a meal; it’s a "wonderful" dining experience that leaves guests planning their next visit before they've even departed.

8. Topside Terrace

4.0

Excellent(385)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Topside Terrace, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, is a celebrated destination for those seeking the finest in Contemporary American cuisine. This open-air terrace blends the essence of coastal living with the urban charm of San Diego, offering a delightful array of Baja California and classic American fare. Guests rave about the "incredible rooftop brunch experience" and the "delicious wagyu slider and beet salad," highlighting the quality and creativity of the dishes. With glowing reviews like "delicious food, efficient service, live music and awesome San Diego weather, you can't go wrong," it's clear that Topside Terrace provides not just a meal, but a spectacular dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a lively evening under the heaters or a sunny brunch with live chill music, Topside Terrace promises a memorable culinary journey.

A photo of NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego restaurant

9. NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

5.0

Exceptional(323)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Mission Valley

Booked 4 times today

NM Café in Mission Valley, San Diego, is a gem for those seeking authentic and high-quality Californian cuisine. Recently remodeled, this café offers a laid-back luxe environment where every dish promises a delightful experience. Guests rave about the "amazing" shrimp with pasta special and the "delightful" fennel salad with grapefruit, highlighting the innovative and fresh flavors that exemplify Californian dining. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is evident as guests mention, "NM Cafe is the ultimate 'go-to' spot for lunch, consistently delivering a wonderful experience." With its understated modern décor and exceptional service, NM Café stands out as a must-visit for both locals and visitors wanting to indulge in true Californian flavors.

10. The Desmond

4.5

Awesome(149)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Shanda
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Had to continue to listen to the child screeching next to us. Which kinda put a damper on celebrating my husband’s birthday. A little disappointed by that but everything else was perfect like always
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.9
S
Sean
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall a great experience. I was entertaining some colleagues and a business partner in town for a conference as a local and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Several of our dishes were great. Most notably the hot oil seared salmon that our server recommended and spicy garlic noodles. I wasnt really a fan of the meatball and spicy shrimp plates (but I may be biased having had similar dishes in the past) We arrived almost 30 minutes and the host Erika was exceptionally welcoming and got us seated promptly which was awesome. Definitely would come back, great for a date night or entertaining guests.
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
L
Lynnvip
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
S
Sindone
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Everything was fantastic. Amazing food and atmosphere! Perfect for a birthday brunch
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Coco MayaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
J
Jill
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
We cannot say enough good things about Harley Gray! Prices were terrific and very good quality! First, we sat at the bar for a drink and a beet hummus appetizer (so delicious) during happy hour. Nick, the bartender, was so welcoming and attentive. Then we sat at our table for their Live Main Lobster dinner (on Thursday nights) that was cooked to perfection, served with a side of rice. My partner also ordered a side of green beans that he loved. We were pleasantly full by the end of the meal so we didn't have room for dessert...next time! We plan to return often, especially to try their other specials!!
More info
Harley Gray Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Mission Hills
•
4.7

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University Heights

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University Heights

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36 restaurants available nearby

1. Great Maple San Diego

2. Kettner Exchange

3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4. Coco Maya

5. Cowboy Star

6. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

7. Covewood - Mission Bay Resort

8. Topside Terrace

9. NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

10. The Desmond

See what locals rave about

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